A Numerical Procedure for the Calculation of the Temperature Rise and Ampacity of Underground Cables

A numerical procedure employing the finite element technique is developed for the calculation of the heat dissipation from a distribution duct bank. The procedure is used for calculating the conductor temperature and the ampacity of cables with and without forced cooling. The accuracy of the procedure is demonstrated by the comparison of the results with experimental findings. The accuracy, versatility and ease-of-use of the numerical procedure over presently employed analytical procedures show clearly the advantages of the numerical procedure.